Articles

Home Support privatisation raises quality concerns

10/04/2014

Is the privatisation of a home support service by Sheffield Council a wise decision? This recent issue has raised several people's concerns and doubts. Many have fears about the inevitable fall in the standards of the services.

The Council is operating an in-house Complex Needs Home Care service, catering the needs of adults having mental health issues. It's primary function is to help those suffering from dementia/confusion, disabilities, or social care needs, enabling them to live independently in their own homes for as much as they can. By doing so, they need not to be admitted into any hospital or residential care. Moreover, the council assists individuals who are at a constant threat of being abused and have complex care needs that entail supervision of an expert. It visits approximately 190 adults enduring chronic conditions.

With the provision of services of such value, comes the greater financial burden that you and I cannot comprehend. Yes, home care services do seem to be the right of those in need, but what we do not perceive is that this can only be made available with adequate funds. It costs £4.6m each year for the services provided by an in-house Complex Needs Home Care. Owing to the immense expenditure for the continual of the Council's operations, independent providers have been asked to take over.It has been assured by the cabinet member for health, care and independent living, Coun Mary Lea that the same degree of care will be provided to the patients as it was previously provided.

However, this has not stopped the patients from worrying. They still fear that they might suffer from a fall in quality of services. Such fears were experienced by an 87 year old pensioner Gordon Chapman, belonging from Gleadless. He showed his concern about the impact the change would have on his wife Muriel, aged 83, who was suffering from dementia in the following words, “They come for 45 minutes in the morning, at lunchtime and at teatime - they see to all her needs. Muriel is used to these carers and she knows them. If she gets strangers, then they’ll be qualified but she would find it very difficult.”

Speaking with the Sheffield star, Coun Lea stated, “At a time when there are enormous pressures on our budget we need to make sure what we are spending is being spent wisely. A review has shown that the current in-house system is too expensive and services can be delivered equally well and at lower cost by external providers instead. But I want to reassure people that they will continue to receive the same standard of care as before. We are reviewing everything to make sure the funding available is used fairly and consistently for people who are most in need of care and support, and this move is part of those changes.”
This decision will most likely to be put into effect by next April.